Chairman of Parliament’s Roads and Transport Committee and Member of Parliament for Wassa East, Hon. Isaac Adjei Mensah, has assured Ghanaians that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, is committed to an unprecedented transformation of the country’s road infrastructure through its ambitious “Big Push” agenda.
In an exclusive interview with ExpressNewsGhana, Hon. Adjei Mensah stated that the “Big Push” represents a bold and pragmatic step toward economic transformation through infrastructure development, particularly in the road sector.
According to him, the program offers a clear, verifiable roadmap, unlike previous road development strategies, and is backed by substantial budgetary allocation.
“This is not rhetoric. It is an actionable and well-resourced plan. In 2025 alone, GHS 18.8 billion has been allocated for road infrastructure under the Big Push. That shows the seriousness of the Mahama administration in resolving Ghana’s road challenges,” he said.
Unveiling the Truth behind Road Construction Claims
Hon. Adjei Mensah also challenged claims by the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration that it constructed over 13,000 kilometers of roads, describing them as “unsubstantiated projections.”
“What we found in the records of the Ministry of Roads and Highways was that most of those figures were projections, not verified constructions. At the end of the NPP’s tenure in 2024, only 6,977 kilometers had been validated as constructed roads,” he emphasized.
He further clarified that most of the supposed works were routine gravel road maintenance or annual grading, which should not be classified as new road construction.
He insisted that true road construction must involve bitumenized or asphalt-paved surfaces that meet engineering standards and last over time.
A Clear, Comprehensive, and Targeted Road Agenda
The Big Push, he explained, is being rolled out with comprehensive data collection, field assessments, and identification of critical roads across the country. So far, 33 major road projects have been selected for immediate execution, in addition to 13 previously initiated projects that stalled under the “Year of Roads” initiative.
“Unlike the ‘Year of Roads,’ which lacked clarity and accountability, the Big Push is structured. It is data-driven, budget-backed, and timeline-based. All road projects under this program are verifiable, and resources have been equitably allocated,” Hon. Mensah said.
He disclosed that four major bypass roads, including the Accra-Kumasi highway and critical link roads in Kumasi and Accra, have been identified for urgent attention. The government also aims to rehabilitate key corridors, such as the Eastern, Western, and Central corridors, and build resilient urban and feeder roads.
Electronic Road Tolls and Road Maintenance Fund
The MP confirmed the reintroduction of road tolls using advanced electronic tolling systems, eliminating manual collection to enhance transparency and maximize revenue for maintenance.
He noted that proceeds from tolls, fuel levies, and other sources would be channelled into the newly established Road Maintenance Trust Fund, which was passed into law to guarantee sustainable funding for routine and periodic road maintenance.
“President Mahama is determined to leave a legacy of a robust and internationally comparable road network. Maintenance is critical, and this fund will ensure we don’t build roads only to let them deteriorate,” he said.
Community-Focused Development and Local Contractor Involvement
As part of the Big Push, 106 districts across Ghana have been earmarked for local road improvement projects.
Each of these constituencies is expected to receive 10 kilometers of paved roads annually, with a focus on asphalt and bitumenized surfaces, not just gravel.
On contractor engagement, Hon. Mensah indicated that while Parliament does not directly supervise contractors, the Ministry of Roads and Highways is well-equipped with local engineers and consultants to ensure project quality and durability.
“This time, engineers will be empowered and trained where necessary to uphold standards. We are ensuring that road works meet KPIs—clarity, timelines, and value for money,” he added.
Strengthened Oversight and Accountability
As Chair of the Roads and Transport Committee, Hon. Mensah assured the public of rigorous parliamentary oversight, stressing that site visits, contractor engagements, and media transparency will be integral to enforcing accountability and quality assurance.
“We take our oversight role seriously. We’ll track every cedi spent, and every kilometer constructed to ensure quality and value. The Big Push is measurable, results-oriented, and designed to uplift Ghana’s economy through infrastructure,” he said.
The committee will also prioritize oversight of railway and inland water transport development to reduce pressure on roads and preserve road quality.
Hon. Isaac Adjei Mensah affirmed that the Big Push initiative is the most ambitious and structured road infrastructure program in Ghana’s history, one that is set to transform communities, boost trade, and significantly improve lives across the country.
Source: Felix Nyaaba/expressnewsghana.com